#Interview with @TinaHunter

Tina Hunter is a Science Fiction and Fantasy author. She’s been published in several anthologies, and her first novel length work is Blade of Memories: Black Shadow 1.

Tina has spent many years working in the publishing industry, including co-founding a small Canadian science fiction and fantasy publishing house.

So basically she is; a geek, a mother, a science fiction fan, and a super cool lady who loves to tell stories.

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What is your name, where were you born and where do you live now?

My name is Tina Hunter. I was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and still live there today (well technically in St. Albert which is just outside the city but close enough). I live in a house on a hill, with two boys, two dogs, and very understanding husband. 

Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

I've been making up stories and telling them to anyone who would listen for as long as I can remember. Soon people started telling me to be a writer, but I had a different future in mind. I wanted to be a marine biologist. I even got my open water scuba diving license at 13 years old. But then there were those aptitude tests they make you take in high school. You know the ones that tell you what industries you were best suited for. My top three were something like; writer, journalist, teacher. To be fair, I didn't give up on Marine Biology because of a test, but it did help me realize there was something to what everyone was telling me. And I've been writing since.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say? My latest book is called "Blade of Memories". It's the first book in the Black Shadow Series.... now an under-20-word summary? That's hard. But I think it would be:

"Lynn must steal magic crystals from an impenetrable fort or lose the last connection to her dead mother." (Ha 18 words) 

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

I'm really enjoying writing in YA so you can expect more of that for a while. I have to finish the Black Shadow series which is Epic Fantasy first (I'm working on book 2 right now) but I have lots of ideas for more stories. An Urban Fantasy with a teenage necromancer, another Urban Fantasy with portals to fantasy worlds. Plus a Science Fiction story with space couriers discovering an evil plot. All fun Fantasy and Science Fiction books (gotta use my love of biology to work).

Where do you get your book plot ideas from?What/Who is your inspiration? 

Short answer: my dreams and my kids. Long answer: I have always had vivid dreams, and I've been lucky enough to remember them when I wake up. Some are crazy some are cool, but I can normally find a kernel of a story idea in them. Also, since having kids I find my kids are a limitless source of inspiration. They way they look at the world, ask questions, and their statements about how things should work in their mind are fascinating. If you can get over the sometimes-annoying incessant questions, they can blow your mind at times.

Do you gift books to readers to do reviews? 

There are so many books being published everyday that reviews are very important for authors. They provide social proof that can set a book apart, and that is so valuable in this age of book overload. 

I do have a list of reviewers who get the book early (ARCs) and they can leave reviews. However, if someone who bought the book leaves a review and they really loved it I sometimes reach out and offer them an ARC for the next book. I love rewarding my fans, so even if it's not a free book it might be something else: Stickers, bookmarks, giveaways.

Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?

I'm not ashamed to admit that I suffer from anxiety and depression. I find that so many artists do. When I'm having a particularly bad episode, writing is next to impossible.  I used to try and push through them anyway, but I found that only made it worse since I would hate everything I wrote, or would stare at the page with nothing coming out. I know myself better now. I take the time I need to get better mentally before I start writing again. It might take a week or two or a month. But taking time for me, spending time away from the screen, going for walks, getting out of my own head for a while, really helps. 

What do you do to unwind and relax? Do you have a hobby?

I guess I'm guilty of binge watching tv. Mostly Sci-Fi and Fantasy shows. I just finished the new Sabrina on netflix and it was so much fun. Otherwise, my hobby is whatever my kids are into. Hanging out with them, playing games, crafts and legos. Right now I mostly do experiments with my oldest and bake with my youngest - one weekend we ended up with rock candy and cupcakes being made... and far too much sugar being consumed by all. 

Is there a certain Author that influenced you in writing?

So many it's hard to pin down just one. For Fantasy, Anne McCaffrey will always be my all time favorite author, but Brandon Sanderson is coming up close. For Science Fiction it would have to be Arthur C Clark and Julie E. Czerneda. These are the authors I would love to not only have the careers of, but tell the types of fan-loved stories that they tell. 

Which format of book do you prefer, ebook, hardback, or paperback?

Paperback for reading. Hardcover for my shelves. Yes I am that weird kind of person that has books just for looking pretty on a shelf. I just hate to see beautiful books damaged because I was reading while drinking tea and spilled on a few pages. So read the paperback, and if I love the book I buy the hardcover so I can admire it.

Strange Questions to have some fun! 

Which do you prefer? . . . . .

Paperback/Hardback or E-book? Paper

Read a book once/Reread books more than once? Reread (always)

Books or Movies? Books

Action, Drama, Mystery, Romance? Action

Library or New books from a bookstore? Library 

Morning or Evening? Evening

Early Nights or Late Nights? Late Nights

Coffee or Tea? Tea

Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter? Summer

Favorite Book Snack? Popcorn - just salted though because buttered makes stains on the pages and that's a no-no

Dogs or Cats? I have two dogs... but I have always wanted a cat. Unfortunately hubby is allergic :(

Make sure to check out her book 

Blade of Memories    Avaiable now!! 

Buy from Amazon

When Lynn's criminal employer shows up with a piece of her broken past, she will do anything to get it back. And as Iridan city's foremost thief, 'anything' means an impossible heist.

But stealing magic crystals from the most regulated facility in the world is only the start of her problems; which includes a team she doesn't trust or like, a runaway with magic abilities, an ex who still makes her weak in the knees, and family drama that could change Lynn's whole world.

Brimming with action, adventure and intrigue, readers will be gripped by this imaginative tale of a magic filled world on the cusp of change.

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Posted in: Promo, Young Adult